Category Archives: Choices And Consequences

Wise And Harmless??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #230

21 Friday Jun 2024

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Fickle or Faithful, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Harmless As Doves, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Persecution, Perseverance, Sheep amongst Wolves!!!, Suffering With Jesus, The Word, Wise As Serpents

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Wise And Harmless??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #230

“Behold,

I send you forth

as sheep

in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise

as serpents,

and harmless

as doves.

17 But beware of men:

for they will deliver you

 up to the councils,

and they will scourge you

in their synagogues;

18 And ye shall be brought before

governors

and kings

for my sake,

for a testimony

against them and the Gentiles.

19 But when they deliver you up,

take no thought

how

or what ye shall speak:

for it shall be given you

in that same hour what ye shall speak.

20 For it is not ye that speak,

but the Spirit

of your Father

which speaketh in you.”   Matthew 10:16-20

I am so sorry to have been absent for a week or more, but we have been traveling, and then we both got sick and had to cut our trip short, and we are still wrestling with this “crud” that we have.  We praise God that it isn’t the flu or Covid, but this cough is a killer, and this is the first day in a week that I’ve felt up to even thinking, much less writing—but thank You Jesus, I have a few things to share with you.  A call to a consideration of what our Lord cautioned His disciples about.  If I do say so, it is a most timely warning for us as well.

As we consider this account of Jesus’ words to His disciples as He sent them out to minister the Gospel, of what would lay before them—but He goes even farther, if we will but take note, to a future after He departed from them, and the difficulties that would come from being His followers.  He told them, and us, that men wouldn’t always respond positively to His message, but that they would be persecuted, ridiculed, and even imprisoned for the truth about Jesus!  Oh, how often we allow the thinking of the world to invade our ministry, in that we want to appeal to the flesh and call people to an “easy beleiveism” which is totally foreign to the biblical truth of the Gospel which Paul so aptly presents to us in his letter to the Corinthian believers; it’s not a message of just claiming the name of Jesus, but seeing our SIN and HIS payment for it, and trusting to Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary for our salvation.  A repentant turning from sin to Jesus, the risen Lord; trusting to, and believing in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN—my sin!

“For I delivered unto you

first of all that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again

the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

 then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Jesus makes it so clear that HE sends us forth–never go in your own power, for it will likely fail, or you can be misled and/or mislead others, simply put, we just won’t be where we need to be because we won’t be where Jesus wants us to be; but when we are sent by our Lord and follow His leadership (by the power and presence of The Holy Spirit of Jesus/God) we may or not see results that we expect, but Jesus makes it clear that we are “sheep” being sent out among “wolves”!  Contrary to popular culture and popular philosophy, it isn’t safe to ‘follow your heart’.  We must follow Jesus by the direction, power and provision of His Spirit. I have learned to trust God and His Word way, way more than my own heart.  Jeremiah made it very clear; but apparently, we would rather trust to the words of men over God’s!

“The heart is deceitful

above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?

10 I the LORD search the heart,

I try the reins,

even to give every man

according to his ways,

and according to the fruit

of his doings.”  Jeremiah 17:9-10 

We must learn to depend upon God’s leading in our lives; oh, to walk more closely to Him each day.  Jesus gives us the order of things, if we will but hear and heed—

go as we’re sent–

beware of men—

trust to Jesus even in the crises—

when called to speak, trust to the Spirit and His Word—

       (that which we have hid in our hearts–)!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart:

try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

“Wise as serpents…harmless as doves….”

Amen and Amen!!!

Listening Is Optional??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #229

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Every Knee Shall Bow, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faith, Faith or Entertainment?, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Hell, Hell's Hot, Hell's Real, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Salvation, The Word, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Try yourselves, Tuned In To Jesus

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Listening Is Optional??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #229

I want to share a most profound account that Jesus gave us.  Some teach it as a parable, but I believe it is a true account—for there is no other parable where Jesus mentions a specific name.  You can decide, but the message that I want us to consider is Jesus’ statement about the rich man’s request to send Lazarus back to testify to his family.  This lost man in hell was more concerned about the salvation of his family than many of us are about ours (what I often call, the greatest evangelist ever).  May we heed the message and get our prayer life focused on the salvation of our loved ones; our life lived in a way that they will desire Jesus; and our mind, as Paul says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”, that people may see Jesus in me! (Read Philippians 2:5-11). What do people see in me? You? Take note and hear the voice of The Lord!

“There was a certain rich man,

which was clothed in purple and fine linen,

and fared sumptuously every day:

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus,

which was laid at his gate,

full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs

which fell from the rich man’s table:

moreover the dogs came

and licked his sores.

22 And it came to pass,

that the beggar died,

and was carried by the angels

into Abraham’s bosom:

the rich man also died,

and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes,

being in torments,

and seeth Abraham afar off,

and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham,

have mercy on me,

and send Lazarus,

that he may dip the tip of his finger in water,

and cool my tongue;

for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said,

Son,

remember that thou in thy lifetime

receivedst thy good things,

and likewise Lazarus

evil things:

but now he is comforted,

and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this,

between us and you

there is a great gulf fixed:

so that they which would pass

from hence to you cannot;

neither can they pass to us,

that would come from thence.

27 Then he said,

I pray thee therefore, father,

that thou wouldest send him

to my father’s house:

28 For I have five brethren;

that he may testify unto them,

lest they also come

into this place of torment.

29 Abraham saith unto him,

They have Moses and the prophets;

let them hear them.

30 And he said,

Nay, father Abraham:

but if one went unto them from the dead,

they will repent.

31 And he said unto him,

If they hear not Moses and the prophets,

neither will they be persuaded,

though one rose from the dead.”  Luke 16:19-31

And a side note in closing, Jesus told this story knowing that His passion was at hand and knew that He would be the very living-out of this statement that, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead…”.  Jesus rose from the dead, yet people still reject Him to this day.  Have you met Jesus?  Have you come to Him in repentance of your sin, and faith/belief in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice on the cross–for all our sin!  He came for you and me!  Don’t miss His grace and become an evangelist from hell!

Amen and Amen!!!

Are We Ready To Listen??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #228

10 Monday Jun 2024

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Encouragement, Jesus Is The Only Way!, The Word

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Are We Ready To Listen??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #228

“Come, ye children,

hearken unto me:

I will teach you

the fear of the LORD.”  Psalm 34:11

I’ve been a bit negligent in writing this past week, we have had some family things going on, as well as some travel, so I have a few things to share this morning, and it’s good to be back with you.  As you know, we all have things that confront us and sometimes we just aren’t sure what to do with them, how to deal with them, which way to go, or how to respond.  So, this morning, I want to share a few thoughts with you about seeking God for the answers, but even more importantly, listening to God when He answers; sometimes it’s a challenge to discern the voice of our Lord—for we do have an enemy who is ever throwing suggestions our way trying to trip us up (and believe me, I’ve done my share, and then some, of falling [literally] for his lies”!)

We must remember that we live in a fallen world, affected by a real enemy, “the great dragon … that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world”!  He is alive and well and on our trail. We must pay attention; we must dig into God’s Word so that we will recognize his lies.  We must know truth, so we won’t be a prey, subject to fall for his lies.

“Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:7-9

 Satan wants to isolate you, so we must be sure to stay in The Word, in fellowship with God’s people, in order that we may “withstand in the evil day”, and my friends, that day is here!  That makes it imperative that we hear the voice of our Lord via the work, power and directing of His Holy Spirit!  God is leading, it is up to us to consciously, diligently, and faithfully follow the voice of our King, remembering that we are not alone!  Solomon left us some good advice!

“Two are better than one;

because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall,

the one will lift up his fellow:

but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;

for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together,

then they have heat:

but how can one be warm

alone?

12 And if one prevail against him,

two shall withstand him;

and a threefold cord

 is not quickly broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“O give thanks unto the LORD;

call upon his name:

make known his deeds among the people.

2 Sing unto him,

sing psalms unto him:

talk ye of all his wondrous works.

3 Glory ye in his holy name:

let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

4 Seek the LORD,

and his strength:

seek his face evermore.”  Psalm 105:1-4

Are you facing trials, disappointment (and these days we could almost say, who’s not disappointed) but remember when the enemy flaunts “dis”appointment” in your face, that God is in charge, and HE is working “His”appointment” for you!  Only in Jesus are we made righteous/good (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth

in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

 While this is a relatively brief word this morning, I think it important for us to remember that our God reigns! He will lead us through our uncertainty, if we will but heed His Word and the leading of His Holy Spirit. We can rely upon The Word, wise counsel, and our circumstances, and respond biblically!

I’d like to share one of my go-to passages that speaks wonders to my heart whenever I am in need, when I am confused, discouraged, or even totally exhausted from life—our God reigns.  Remember friends, that we who belong to Jesus are the bride/wife, we must listen and heed to be  ready?  The bride groom cometh!

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were

 the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad and rejoice,

and give honour to him:

for the marriage of the Lamb is come,

and his wife hath made herself ready.”  Revelation 19:5-7

Are you ready?  Are your wedding garments pure?  Look up, our redemption is near!  Remember by friend, we win!  Note that when we “Delight thyself also in the LORD”, we will desire the right things, and HE will provide!  Here’s the Psalm:

“Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him who prospereth in his way,

because of the man who bringeth

wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”  Psalm 37:3-8

May God comfort, guide and lead you into all truth!  He will if we will but heed His voice!

Amen and Amen!!!

Hindering Revival??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #224

26 Sunday May 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Choices And Consequences, Choose Gratitude and show it!, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Confidence or Presumption?, Conformed or Transformed?, Conformed to HIS image, Fickle or Faithful, REvival, Revival or Recycle?, Righteousness exalts a nation, Transformation, Transformed life, Trendy Or Truth

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Hindering Revival??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #224

“Wilt thou not revive us again:

that thy people may rejoice in thee?

7 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD,

and grant us thy salvation.

8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak:

for he will speak peace unto his people,

and to his saints:

but let them not turn again

to folly.

9 Surely his salvation

is nigh them that fear him;

that glory may dwell in our land.”  Psalm 85:6-9

So what is revival?  Revival is a renewal of the living, not a raising of the dead (in other words a renewing and restoring of God’s own people, not the saving of the lost; but by the same token when God’s own get right with HIM, great and mighty things will draw the lost to The Living God!). We seem to have skewed what revival truly is; we have quoted parts of 2 Chronicles 7:14 so often, yet more often than not we leave out much of the important part.  We want God to heal our land, but we don’t really want Him to change us, or draw a line against our “pet sin”!  I’d like to simply share some things for us to consider in our desire for true revival:

       Are we willing to abandon our pride?

       Are we willing to draw near to God rather than self?

       Are we willing to submit to/obey God and His Word?

              (popular or not…and it won’t be!)

       Do we see our sin as sin?

       Are we mourning over our sin/the sin of our nation?

       Are we equipped to resist the devil?

              (in other words do we know the Word of God, so that

                we can recognize the devil, his wiles and temptation?)

       Do you prefer to laugh at sin, or have a burden over it?

Peruse what James has to say to us, and may we truly hear the voice of God (via the Holy Spirit) speaking to our heart and respond accordingly.  Our life choices matter not only to us, but also to others watching to see if we live what we say we believe.

“But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

 ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted, and mourn,

and weep:

let your laughter be turned to mourning,

and your joy to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”  James 4:8-10

God’s message to Solomon is so important, but we often want to pick and choose the parts we want to accept, pursue, and obey.

“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night,

and said unto him,

I have heard thy prayer,

and have chosen this place to myself

for an house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain,

or if I command the locusts to devour the land,

or if I send pestilence among my people…”

God heard Solomon’s request for His provision and acceptance of this house which he had built, and God told him that he would accept the Temple, but He also told Solomon that He would still judge sin, and if He chose to discipline His people there was a remedy.  Oh, that America would realize that we have abandoned God Almighty and His Son, Jesus, by our choices, our behavior, and our negligence of His Word and prayer, and then wonder why we are reaping the present “perilous times”.  May we heed the remedy that God gave to Solomon—all of it. (See 2 Tim. 3:1-5)

“…14 If

my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I

hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.

15 Now mine eyes shall be open,

and mine ears attent

unto the prayer that is made

in this place.”  2 Chronicles 7:12-15

Jesus gave us the most important parameters of prayer, that so many miss today; knowing that our place is “in Jesus” not a building!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matt. 6:9-10

Jesus instructs us to be focused on God’s will, God’s kingdom—hence we need to study God’s Word as Paul instructs as as well.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

Why study God’s Word?  It is our plumbline of truth, for sure, not the world!

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable   for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”   2 Timothy 3:16-17

Boiled down, Paul is saying God’s Word IS God’s Word; it is profitable for—what we know to be truth—reproving (revealing to us) us when we err—correcting us back to the right—and teaching us how to avoid temptation.  The result is, we will be able to behave with spiritual maturity, equipped unto “all good works” which (as Paul says in Eph. 2:8-10) “God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Do we have a heart for the spiritual things of God, or have we binged on the junk food of the world so much, that we have no appetite for God?  Have we dulled our appetites for God’s things inadvertently, or by neglect?  As Jesus mentions in Matthew chapter 7, are we choosing the “straight gate” or the “broad way”?  It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test.  As for revival, I think scripture teaches us that unless we are willing to see ourselves as we really are, humbling ourselves before God, and seeking the change that only His Holy Spirit can achieve, it’s not near.  As James teaches us, being a successful child of God takes some effort—in fact a lot of effort!  And while I’ve only included part of the chapter, I encourage you to spend some time in the book of James this week.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:

for when he is tried,

he shall receive the crown of life,

which the Lord hath promised

to them that love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted,

I am tempted of God:

for God cannot be tempted with evil,

neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted,

when he is drawn away of his own lust,

and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived,

it bringeth forth sin:

and sin, when it is finished,

bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren…

…22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,

he is like unto a man beholding his natural face

in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.

27 Pure religion

and undefiled before God and the Father is this,

To visit the fatherless

and widows in their affliction,

and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”                           Portions of James 1:12-27

We could call this a prescription for preparing for true revival!  Are we caring for those in need—widows and orphans—AND keeping ourselves “unspotted from the world”!  Let’s not be leopard Christians, but faithful servants of our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ!  I’m praying for you and for revival.  May God hear our cry and see the earnestness of our heart.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt to every man

the measure of faith.”  Romans 12:1-3

Amen and Amen!!!

What’s Influencing You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #212

24 Wednesday Apr 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Compromise, Influence, Influenced by the world or Jesus?, Iron Sharpening Iron, Payday???, Pleasure in sin for a season, Satan's lies., Saved FROM Sin, Stand Fast!, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Gospel, the Lamb of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, There IS (Still) A Fountain, There IS a Test!, Today is the day of Salvation, Too Late To Call?, Transformation, Transformed life, Trendy Or Truth, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Truth, Truth is True, Try yourselves, Wolves in sheep's clothing!, Worldliness

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What’s Influencing You???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #212

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

 by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

Paul called the believers in Rome to choose to live for Jesus by giving their lives to Him in every situation, circumstance, or trial, telling them and us that this “is your reasonable service”!  What have we chosen to make our ‘service’?  The world is in attack mode toward anything of God, toward anything based in or on The Word of God, especially the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Paul warned us of the danger of conforming to the world, and said we must continually keep guard over our heart and mind by seeking the mind of Jesus!  The main way we do that is by digging into His Word and keeping the lines of communication open with Him through prayer.

Speaking for myself, and maybe you too, it has become too easy to choose to ‘gel’ in the recliner and watch the deceit of the world from “Hellywood’s” perspective.  I recently watched a particular series purported to be “family friendly”, I even read a comment on the series as one that every family should “be like”.  Well, as I considered what was going on, let me share some of the things that we supposedly should mimic:  multiple couples sleeping together without benefit of marriage, a couple who shared ‘vows’ but did not want to marry—concluding it wasn’t necessary in their opinion, sexual perversion accepted and celebrated, staying home with children seen as missing personal and professional success, and I could go on.  There was never one reference to God in any situation much less a church; and this is just one example of how much we accept as tolerable to be entertained.  Consider some of the old TV shows, there were things that we wouldn’t have participated in as Christians, yet we invited those activities to be the center of attention in our living rooms.

Without sharing the entirety of Romans 1, I simply want to share a portion of the close of this chapter.  The enemy is alive and well, and desires to influence, entrap and mislead us into his evil schemes. Remember that he is the enemy—your enemy and mine.  We need to stop playing ‘footsie’ with him!

“And even as they did not like to retain God

in their knowledge,

God gave them over to a reprobate mind,

to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness,

fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God,

that they which commit such things

 are worthy of death,

not only do the same,

but have pleasure in them that do them.”   Romans 1:28-32

Sin is contagious.  And while we are to love the lost, we must heed Paul’s advice from Romans 12 and “be not conformed to this world”!  Satan paints lovely pictures of sin, and it can be pleasurable for a time, but the cost will be more than expected.  As I’ve written before, “Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay!”  And my friends, there is a payday coming, and I believe it is already here, as we see our children and grandchildren being deceived, led astray, and destroyed by the lies of the enemy; and often partly because we failed to see the danger of compromising with the world, for whatever reasons we were deceived by!  There is pleasure in sin “for a season”, yet it seems that payday is here, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the taste.  Moses made a choice, and so must we!  What will you choose?  What have you already chosen that you might want to reconsider? What price tag?

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years,

refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 Choosing rather

to suffer affliction with the people of God,

than to enjoy the pleasures of sin

for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ

greater riches

than the treasures in Egypt:

for he had respect

unto the recompence of the reward.”   Hebrews 11:24-26

The questions: “Whose child are you?”; “What will you choose?”; “Will you compromise by being desensitized to sin?”; or “Will you withstand in the evil day?”!  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test!  Peter says it better than I can.

“But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth the praises

of him who hath called you out of darkness

into his marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:9

Darkness or light?  We must know God’s truth and that takes time, effort, and commitment to study The Word.  We can’t walk in His light without The Holy Spirit within—and He only indwells those who have been born again.  If you know Him, won’t you consider your ways?  If you don’t know Him, you can, by hearing the voice of His Spirit calling you to repentance of your sin and trusting to/believing in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary.  Then walk in the light.

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

 and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:5-10.

Amen and Amen!!!